Skip to content

Health and Safety for Inbound Exchange Students

This webpage is to provide:
  • Health and safety resources for visiting exchange students at CSU campuses, and
  • Information to exchange partners and prospective exchange students.

Wildfires in California.  We are truly saddened by the devastation that has occurred in parts of Southern California due to recent wildfires. The following CSU campuses, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge, and CSU San Bernardino have not been directly affected.

On Thursday, 23 January 2025, a new fire dubbed the Laguna Fire broke out near the hills of CSU Channel Islands. An evacuation order was issued for the campus and the residential area University Glen, but evacuation orders were lifted that same day. The International Office at the campus has been touch with exchange students to ensure their safety. The campus has reopened but will assess daily on whether courses will be held virtually. For more information about the fire, refer to the Official Ventura County Incident Information Source.  

Students attending the above campuses are advised to:
  • Stay informed of advisories and news updates, and follow any instructions given. 
  • Keep their home universities and families updated on their safety and well being.
  • Seek assistance for any concerns that they may have from the International Office and/or the Counseling Center at their host CSU campus.
  • Stay away from areas close to or impacted by the fires.
Campus offices are providing critical information to all students to help keep them safe. The CSU is monitoring the situation, and we will share additional updates when they become available as it pertains to our campuses. Below are resources for more information:


Health Insurance. Exchange students are required to have health coverage while in the U.S. which is mandated by the U.S. Department of State and a condition of J-1 visa. Failure to have or maintain insurance will result in termination of participation in exchange. Most campuses require exchange students to purchase insurance that they offer through a specific insurance provider. Although exchange students may already have insurance coverage from their home country, it may not cover certain medical expenses in the U.S. Click here to access estimated costs of health insurance required by the campuses.

  • Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System for International Students. This short video provides an overview of how the healthcare system works in the U.S and how to seek medical treatment in the U.S. (Courtesy of International Student Insurance.) Note that CSU campuses will advise which insurance carrier students should purchase their insurance from.
California COVID-19 UpdatesThis site tracks COVID-19 cases in California by county as well as provide health information and safety guidelines related to COVID-19. 

Student Health Centers:  Each campus has a student health center that provides information and services for students.Click on the link to search for the student health center for a specific campus.
  • Immunization Requirements. Students attending CSU campuses are subject to immunization requirements. Click on the above link for the Student Health website pertaining to your host CSU campus. It is important for exchange applicants to review the immunization requirements at least six months prior to arrival to your host CSU campus in order to schedule any immunization shots necessary.
Mental Health Services: Each campus provides services to support the psychological and emotional health of students. Click on the link to access services for a specific campus.
  • Mental health and counseling services are available to support students in achieving their academic, personal and professional goals.
  • Mental Health Awareness for International Students. This five-minute video discusses mental health concepts, and includes mental health awareness, warning signs and how to seek treatment. (Courtesy of International Student Insurance.) 

Updated 1/23/25.